Quatrain

"Quatrain," the latest offering from the enigmatic composer John Zorn, is a captivating journey into the realms of avant-garde and free jazz, released on July 21, 2023, via Tzadik. This 39-minute exploration is a testament to Zorn's enduring creativity and his unique ability to blend genres and inspire with his compositions.

Inspired by the works of William Shakespeare, "Quatrain" is a varied collection of ballads and dances that showcase Zorn's mastery of acoustic instrumentation. The album features five intricate tracks: "The Innocent Voyage," "Restless Melancholy," "Hallucinations," "Amor Fati," and "A Childhood Memory." Each piece is performed with a soulful sensitivity, weaving a tapestry of musical magic that is both haunting and beautiful.

Zorn's collaboration with master musicians on "Quatrain" results in a stunning collection that is as ominous as it is innocent, filled with a dangerous allure that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish. The album's experimental nature is balanced by its accessibility, making it a compelling addition to any jazz enthusiast's collection.

John Zorn is a boundary-defying American composer, saxophonist, and producer renowned for his eclectic and experimental approach to music. Resisting easy categorization, Zorn's work spans an impressive range of genres, including jazz, rock, classical, metal, and world music, often blending them in unexpected and innovative ways. A prolific artist, he has released a vast discography, including the monumental 11-album box set "The Book Beriah," which features 92 compositions. Zorn is also the founder of the Tzadik record label, a platform for experimental and avant-garde music, and has collaborated with numerous influential musicians. His groundbreaking ensemble Naked City is often cited as a precursor to the jazz-metal fusion genre. Zorn's compositions often incorporate unique structures, such as his celebrated "game" pieces like "Cobra," which guide large, diverse groups of musicians through intricate musical strategies. With a career that has spanned decades, John Zorn continues to be a catalyst for innovation and a major influence in contemporary music.